My 1:1 '59 Beetle, New pics : BACK IN BLACK !!

As I said before, no silly poetry compares to this, I don't care how many views it gets! Awesome work, my friend - you've got many reasons to be proud.And I just love it - better'n brand new, with spare tire already in place, and a shiny new horn!

<blockquote> <strong class="quote-title">groggerbug wrote:</strong> <hr> As I said before, no silly poetry compares to this, I don't care how many views it gets! Awesome work, my friend - you've got many reasons to be proud. And I just love it - better'n brand new, with spare tire already in place, and a shiny new horn!</blockquote>That horn is a 12 volt horn all ready to be wired and turned loose.. And the spare is no silly space saver... Maybe the same size and a spacesaver, but full size to this car. Every part on this car has been reworked or replaced with NOS or new near exact replicas. The rear glass and door glass willbe the original, I kinda like the look og the old glass, scratches and all.<br>Oh, and poetry writing was a hobby of mine back 30 yrs ago.. I used to write silly poems for my wife and kids...Been awhile..Cars are much more fun to playwith.<br><br>Steve<br><br>ps, Thanks so much Greg for your comments and appreciation.<br><br>

Love this picture show Steve, now get those guys home and get em' some supper.

<font size="4">WAHOOOOO Stevo The old VDub is looking good.<img height="28" src="http://mmb.maverick.to/images/smilies/party5.gif" width="26" alt="image"><img height="28" src="http://mmb.maverick.to/images/smilies/party5.gif" width="26" alt="image"> Does this mean I'll get a ride this year at a P.U. game?<img height="35" src="http://www.dodgetalk.com/forums/images/smilies/banana.gif" width="33" alt="image"><br><br>Let me know if your in the area?<br><br>Greg</font>

Awesome! Glad to see this thread resurrected. Few things make me happy like seeing an old car restored in a truly stock and professional manner. Your work isexceptional.<br><br>Steve

There are a few professions in this world where<br>the majority suck, and one has to weed through the<br>crap to find the really good ones.<br>IMHO, they are:<br><br>1. Doctors<br>2. Musicians<br>3. Auto mechanics<br>And lastly:<br>4. Auto body/restoration<br>I've been quietly reading this thread for a long time,<br>but felt it necessary to say that "Steve, you are a true artist in the profession<br>of the auto body world."<br>Keep the pics comin' as your time will allow!<br>Great stuff, and "Bravo, man."<img src="http://static.yuku.com//domainskins/bypass/img/smileys/eek.gif" alt="image"><br>

FInally Steve! Body back on. Wow, you have got to be psyched. Now I hope to see it on the road soon.<br><br>Bob Jordan

awesome!

Thanks for the fix!<br><br>Jeff

Love the updated pics, Steve. As I've said many times before, just incredible work! What an accomplishment. I can't wait to see the fiinishedproject...

Steve,I've been off RLOL for about a year and half because of moving and thing going on in my life.With in 5min. of coming back on, I look for your site tosee how the Beetle came out,I'm glad it's not done yet because I enjoy watch what you do on it every week.Also, I enjoy looking around your shop at theother cars you have in there.In the past few pics,there are the Mach 1 and that Jeepster, very cool cars.. <br><br>Another thing, I moved from NJ to an island in South Carolina,the VWs I see here are unreal. I'll drive a few miles and I'll see at least 7 dailydrivers that are mint. Buses,campers,Gias,Beetles etc. It's like VW heaven down here,very cool. <br><br>Keep up the great work.<img height="18" src="http://redlinesonlinemessageboard.yuku.com/domain/bypass/images/thumbsup.gif" width="25" alt="image"><p><br><br>Later Philbert</p>

Here are some more pics from yesterday.<br><br><img height="768" src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_0982.jpg" width="1024" alt="image"><p><br></p><br><br><img src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1004.jpg" alt="image"><p><br></p><br><br><img height="768" src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1005.jpg" width="1024" alt="image"><p><br></p><br><br><img height="768" src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1006.jpg" width="1024" alt="image"><p><br></p><br><br><img src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1008.jpg" alt="image"><p><br></p><p>As you all know (at least you should if you remember back at the beginning of this thread) I've never restored a Black car for myself. I've donethem for customers (collision damage and a couple restorations). I ALWAYS spent extra time because Black shows everything !!! It also (if done right) is one ofthe most beautiful colors for a car. I have to say even I am blown away at the way my Bug looks. It is unreal in person.<br><br>Well, Enjoy the pictures, Steve</p><p> </p><p> </p>

I had to post up these pics. I installed the drivers door latch and striker so the door closes. Then I saw how cool it looked, so I snapped these shots.<br><br>With pflash. Not so impressive....<br><br><img src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1020.jpg" alt="image"><br><br>Without, Much cooler.....Johnny.. look at the Mach in the background !!<br><br><img src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1021.jpg" alt="image"><br><br><img src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1022.jpg" alt="image"><br><br><img src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1023.jpg" alt="image"><br><br><img src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1024.jpg" alt="image"><br><br>Jon thought it was cool that he could see the American flag on the buffer stand.<br><br>Enjoy, Steve<br><br>Better than POETRY !!!

Steve,<br><br>Definitely better than poetry! Let's move this thread back to the front page where it belongs!<br><br>Bob Jordan

Hey, as is often done in sporting events when one player is dissin' the other... I'll just point at the scoreboard... <img src="http://static.yuku.com//domainskins/bypass/img/smileys/wink.gif" alt="image">

Greg,<br><br>Touche!<br><br>Bob

Well, It won't look like I did much, but I did get the right door handle and latch in along with the check straps for the doors installed. I had to do alittle door adjustments, but everything fits like I planned it too. I'm fabricating a new hood prop right now also. The original one only holds one side ofthe hood and the hood is prone to get stress cracks there. I am making one to hold it up from the middle at the front. I take pics as I get it figured out.Anyhoo, I also am prepping the hood release knob and shift knob for paint to match the steering wheel and column. I did get the steering shaft and steeringwheel installed too. It's been awile since I've opened the box with all the NEW parts in it.. I really bought "ahead" of myself.. I even have2 hood handles. <img src="http://static.yuku.com//domainskins/bypass/img/smileys/roll.gif" alt="image"> Pics:<br><br><img src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1283.jpg" alt="image"><br><br><img src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1281.jpg" alt="image"><br><br><img src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1280.jpg" alt="image"><br><br><img src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1277.jpg" alt="image"><br><br><br>Enjoy, Steve

I uncovered the Red 'Vette next to my little bug......Nice reflection !!!<br><br>Steve<img src="http://static.yuku.com//domainskins/bypass/img/smileys/pimp.gif" alt="image">

Awesome, Steve! It's nice to "buy ahead"...you'll be glad you did! Nothing worse than trying to get something done and realize you'remissing a part...<br><br>I can't wait to see more. What beautiful work!

Awesome, Steve, and thanks for the update! Personally, I don't mind if you update the thread every time you tighten a screw... and that would help to getit past that dumb poetry thread that some moron started.... <img src="http://static.yuku.com//domainskins/bypass/img/smileys/wink.gif" alt="image"><br><br>I had a chuckle about the single hood latch - yup, my '58 had a cracked hood for just that reason, along with just about every other VW on the road!

I found out today that I ordered a few other "extra" parts. That's ok though. They will fit the '63 Ragtop I want to buy when I'm donewith this one.. It will be a speedy daily summer driver.<br><br><br>Steve

Here are the pics from today. Hood is on, steering wheel, hood release knob and shifter knob painted and installed...<br><br><br><img src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1303.jpg" alt="image"><br><br><img src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1301.jpg" alt="image"><br><br><img src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1298.jpg" alt="image"><br><br><img src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1300.jpg" alt="image"><br><br>Enjoy, Steve

More from the last 3 days.....Running boards installed, fender beading in (fenders on for good), mirrors on... and a fresh polish on the bolted on panels.<br><br><img src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1333.jpg" alt="image"><br><br><img src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1332.jpg" alt="image"><br><br><img src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1335.jpg" alt="image"><br><br><img src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1338.jpg" alt="image"><br><br><br>Enjoy, Steve

Lookin' good! Can't wait to see it with headlights in it.<br><br>I see that GMC Motorhome is still there. Or is that a different one?

Good eye on the GMC. It is a different one. Word got out that we had the other one and this guy wants his brought up to good mechanical operation. Nothingmajor wrong, just a tune up, brakes, trans service... normal maintenence. The only fried part was the generator. It's gonna run him about 1500.00-2500.00for one that will do what he wants to do. (so I'm told). The one we restored/remodeled is still there, but on the other end of the shop waiting forit's turn back in the restoration rotation.<br><br>Steve

Hey Steve, I have a dumb question: Is the steering wheel supposed to be white?

<blockquote> <strong class="quote-title">hotbirdsplanes wrote:</strong> <hr> Hey Steve, I have a dumb question: Is the steering wheel supposed to be white?</blockquote><br>On my car it was the same color as I painted it. All the knobs and such were all the ivory color.<br><br>Steve<br>

My god, that car is beautiful!!!<br><br>And to answer the question re. the steering wheel and shift knob, yes, they were all that color regardless of exterior or interior color.

Steve ... (and everyone else too!)<br>This is my first post in this thread, a fact that embarrasses me.<br>I am not a VW guy, more of an American car guy with a focus on 1964-1972.<br>So I skipped over this post several times.<br>I figured, how exciting can a VW Bug restoration post be?<br>(Plus I wasn't on here a lot for a long while).<br><br>Well, after seeing it bump and re-bump back to the front page,<br>I had to take a look.<br>I've been reading this thread and enjoying your photos for the past hour.<br>OH MAN. There are no words, but I'll try anyway.<br>You are an artist, and a master at that.<br>Suddenly, I want a black VW Beetle.<br>Or at least, I wish I could shake the hand of the man who can do work that requires<br>such expertise, passion, and patience. If we ever meet, drinks are on me.<br>(Even if it's milk shakes).<br><br>I owned a black Nova with a decent shine, one that I hand rubbed to look like<br>what I described as "black glass". I had never seen a more reflective black paintjob, ever,<br>on any car ... until this thread.<br>I am not just "impressed"...more like blown away. IN AWE.<br>Your talent is at the top of it's game, and I can't possibly say how powerfully this photo diary<br>of your Beetle's restoration struck me. Wow Steve, that is a VW for the record books.<br>I, like everyone else, look forward to seeing her complete and driving<br>with you, one proud papa, behind the wheel.<br><br>Until then, Greg "99octane"<br>

Yeah,<br>Like Greg,I'm guilty of not keeping up on this thread either. Bugs are just not my thing either..But I can certainly appreciate your work and painstakingattention to detail on this baby.<br>The paint is incredible,and I have to give Kudos where Kudos are Due!..My hat is off Steve. Very nice work!<br><br>Frank

<p>Here are the latest pics. I installed the tailights and got the steering wheel situation figured out. Installing the tailights sounds easy, but there is 8separate parts to each light assembly. That all have to be assembled just right and screwed together. <img src="http://static.yuku.com//domainskins/bypass/img/smileys/roll.gif" alt="image"> The steering wheel didn't fit right so I did a little MORE homework and alsoemailed my bug buds at The Samba to see what I was missing. Well it turns out I had all the parts assembled correctly, I just didn't have the right gapsand adjustments. Then I didn't realize I had turned the wheels and installed the steering wheel a little off center....dammit.<br><br><img src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1370.jpg" alt="image"><br><br><img src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1368.jpg" alt="image"><br><br><img src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1366.jpg" alt="image"><br><br><img src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1369.jpg" alt="image"><br><br><br>Enjoy, Steve</p>

Not to take away from the gorgeous job being done on the bug ....<br><br>.... but has anyone else noticed the reflection in the FLOOR !!! <img src="http://static.yuku.com//domainskins/bypass/img/smileys/eek.gif" alt="image"><br><br>I'd be paranoid working in a shop like that for fear of spilling something ! <img src="http://static.yuku.com//domainskins/bypass/img/smileys/laugh.gif" alt="image"><br><br><br>Mark.

I've been a little busy on the Beetle this last week and 1/2. I made a list of the things I need to finish the assembly, I sent the speedometer out forrestoration, installed the glass and all the moulding in both doors (1st door took over 4 hours, second took 2), did some more touch up buffing and polishingand a few other minor things. But they all add up.<br><br><img src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1425.jpg" alt="image"><br><br><img src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1424.jpg" alt="image"><br><br><img src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1433.jpg" alt="image"><br><br>Ooh look .... headlights. Not totally installed, but I needed the front to look different.<br><br><img src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1434.jpg" alt="image"><br><br><img src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1435.jpg" alt="image"><br><br>Enjoy, Steve

I forgot to upload the other pics so here they are.<br><br><img src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1418.jpg" alt="image"><br><br><img src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1415.jpg" alt="image"><br><br><img src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1414.jpg" alt="image"><br><br><img src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1420.jpg" alt="image"><br><br><img src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1426.jpg" alt="image"><br><br><img src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1431-1.jpg" alt="image"><br><br>Enjoy, Steve

Getting closer and closer to completion! <br><br>Looks great!<br><br>Bob Jordan

A-W-E-S-O-M-E!!! You know that when you get it done, you're going to have to shoot a picture of it, in identical pose as the one in your sig, but mirroredon the other side!

<p><strong>YES! Headlights! Where's the amber turnsignal bulbs?</strong> <img src="http://static.yuku.com//domainskins/bypass/img/smileys/wink.gif" alt="image"></p>

I was going to install peanut turn signals on top of the fenders.... but the Boss talked me out of that today.. I am going to run ambers in the headlightmarker lights. I got the seat material off the front seats, sandblasted the frames and springs, sanded them, primed, and then painted the frames champagne andthe springs black. I also installed the vin plate back on the body, I used adhesive to fix it in place (I ground off the back side of the rivits and also gluedthem in place) I did some other misc things for later installation.<br><br><img src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1374.jpg" alt="image"><br><br><img src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1449.jpg" alt="image"><br><br><img src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1373.jpg" alt="image"><br><br><img src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1437.jpg" alt="image"><br><br><img src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1439.jpg" alt="image"><br><br><img src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1442.jpg" alt="image"><br><br>Speedometer before pic :<br><br><img src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1365-1.jpg" alt="image"><br><br><img src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1444.jpg" alt="image"><br><br><img src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1445.jpg" alt="image"><br><br>Enjoy, Steve

Jon and I were busy today going thru the parts boxes of new and used VW parts. We put it on the wheel dollys, and turned it around in the stall so I can accessthe front wiring. I bought some Kentucky air brakes for the rear awhile back so we fit them on the rear. I had to make some mods to the brackets and them I hadJon blast them so I could repaint them.<br><br><img src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1462.jpg" alt="image"><br><br><br><img src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1464.jpg" alt="image"><br><br><br><img src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1469.jpg" alt="image"><br><br><br><img src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/MI65IMPALA/59%20Beetle%20pics/IMG_1463.jpg" alt="image"><br><br>Enjoy, Steve

OK, this is going to sound stupid; Kentucky air brakes? Are you referring to the mud flaps?<br><br>Bob Jordan